About the SFO
What kind of organisation is the SFO?
The Serious Fraud Office is an independent government department that investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud. It is part of the UK criminal justice system.
The Office is headed by the Director who is appointed by and accountable to the Attorney General. The Attorney General is appointed by the Prime Minister and is responsible to Parliament for:
- the Serious Fraud Office
- the Crown Prosecution Service
- the Treasury Solicitor's Department
- the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland
- the CPS Inspectorate
- the Revenue and Customs Prosecution Office
Jurisdiction
England, Wales and Northern Ireland fall within the SFO's jurisdiction.
The SFO does not have jurisdiction over Scotland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.